Zen
Zen is a school of thought and practice that originated in China and later flourished in Japan. Rooted in the principles of Buddhism, Zen emphasizes direct experience and mindfulness over intellectual study or doctrine. It seeks to cultivate a deep awareness of the present moment, encouraging practitioners to engage fully with their surroundings and inner state of being.
At the heart of Zen is the practice of meditation, or “zazen,” which involves sitting quietly, focusing on one’s breath, and observing the mind without attachment to thoughts or emotions. Through this practice, Zen teaches the importance of simplicity, self-discipline, and the art of letting go. It aims to achieve a state of clarity and inner peace, free from distractions or desires.
This philosophy has deeply influenced my approach to art and sculpture at 石のシンシア. As a sculptor working with marble, I draw inspiration from Zen’s focus on mindfulness and precision. Each carving is a meditative process, where I become fully immersed in the material and moment, allowing the stone to reveal its own beauty. The simplicity and discipline of Zen are mirrored in my craft, as I transform raw marble into intricate reliefs that capture both nature and human expression.
Zen also values the concept of “no-mind” (mushin), an open and unbiased state of consciousness where one acts naturally and without preconception. In my work, this idea comes to life in the balance between deliberate design and spontaneous creation, letting the material and the process guide me.
The natural surroundings of my workshop in rural Fukuyama—where wild animals roam and clean air fills the mountains—are the perfect setting for this Zen-inspired approach. Here, simplicity, concentration, and nature come together, influencing every aspect of the marble reliefs I create.